Graphic Design in Germany, 1890 - 1945
(Thames & Hudson, 2000; 240 pages, hardcover $60) was published in conjunction with the exhibition at The Wolfsonian-FIU. German graphic and typographic design in the first half of the twentieth century represents an extraordinarily rich and diverse aspect of the history of visual culture. It marks the moment of recognition that the world was becoming increasingly dependent on a modern and commercialized system of communication in which the designer was to play a major role. An unprecedented scale of attention was devoted to printed matter, whether as designs for graphic ornament, typefaces and logos in books and advertisements, magazines, posters, signage, and exhibitions.

This book represents the first account in the English language of the emergence of German graphic design between 1890 and 1945. The aim in selecting material has been to provide a broad range from across a stylistically diverse field. While some of the individual designers such as Peter Behrens, Lucian Bernhard, Jan Tschichold, Herbert Bayer and John Heartfield are well known, many others have not received such attention, possibly because they do not easily fit within the stylistic criteria adopted by many earlier publications.

Graphic Design in Germany, 1890-1945, written by Dr. Jeremy Aynsley, taps a rich vein of artistic endeavor to provide a comprehensive account of the emergence of a new profession for the twentieth century. The book is extensively illustrated with 253 illustrations, 152 in color, and is available through The Wolfsonian-FIU museum shop by calling 305.535.2680 or e-mail museumshop@thewolf.fiu.edu.